The 28-year-old had told the tribunal she suffered bullying and intimidation on her return to her post of assistant town clerk after an extended period of maternity and sickness leave.

She claimed she had no choice but to resign when the job of town clerk was given to another candidate. She said that, throughout her interview, she was repeatedly asked about childcare provision.

But the employment tribunal found in favour of the council on all counts, stating her complaints of unfair constructive dismissal and unlawful sex discrimination were unfounded.

The bench said Miss Evans had resigned because she had not been promoted to town clerk.

“The claimant clearly stated in her evidence that, had she been appointed to that position, she would have continued to work for the respondent [the council],” said the tribunal judgment.

“That is wholly inconsistent with her allegation that her treatment at the hands of the respondent amounted to a breach of the implied contractual term of trust and confidence.”

Miss Evans previously turned down a £10,000 out-of-court settlement from the council. The Gazette was unable to contact her regarding the tribunal result.

The new mayor of Thornaby, Mick Eddy said: “The totally independent body has exhaustively studied the case and concluded that the council deals with matters in a courteous, caring and very professional manner.”

Thornaby Town Council spokesman, and former mayor, Tina Large said that the past year had been “very challenging and traumatic”.

She pointed out that Miss Evans could have continued in her role as assistant town clerk.

“The council wishes to draw a line under this matter and is looking forward to continuing running a professional organisation for the people of Thornaby,” she said.

Miss Evans, of Avon Way, Thornaby, worked for the council between 2002 and 2007 and was the fourth member of staff to take her former bosses to an employment tribunal.

Three former staff - Leanne Plant, Angela Welsh and Val Rogers - all successfully sued the council for unfair dismissal and received varying levels of compensation.